CASA 2012 award winner for helping abused children

For more information please contact Joanie Bayhack at 847-383-6260 – ext. 217 or Dan Friedlander at 847-855-6444. For immediate release

CASA - Commemorating 20 years of advocacy for abused and neglected children. CASA Lake County saluted more than 200 volunteers at a recent appreciation dinner at The Westin Chicago North Shore, Wheeling.

Last year 276 CASA volunteers advocated for 577 abused and neglected children in Lake County. This is a record number.

Vernon Hills -- More than 200 volunteers gathered to celebrate 20 years of advocacy for CASA Lake County, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in Lake County.CASA Executive Director Terri Zenner Greenberg said, “With child abuse on the rise, we are especially grateful to have a team of 276 volunteers. These extraordinary people give their whole hearts to these kids. They sometimes travel 100 miles to visit their CASA children. They are the only ones who meet with their teachers, doctors, therapists and others to make sure their basic needs are met. This event is our chance to thank them on behalf of the innocent children we serve.”

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Lake County, Vernon Hills, is a non-profit organization committed to acquiring, training and supervising volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the juvenile justice system.Research shows that a child with a CASA volunteer advocate is less likely to experience further abuse; moves more rapidly through the court system; stays an average of eight months less in foster care; and is more likely to be adopted into a safe and permanent home--rather than stay in long term foster care.To learn more about volunteering or donating to CASA Lake County, call 847 383 6260 or go online to www.casalakecounty.com#